. >> i served with jack kennedy. i knew jack kennedy. jack kennedy was a friend of mine. senator, you're no jack kennedy. [cheers and applause] what has to be done in a situation like that -- >> your only taking time from your own candidate. >> that was really uncalled for, senator. [cheers and applause] >> you're the one was making the comparison, senator. and i am one who knew him well. and frankly, i think you are so far apart on the objectives you choose for your country that i do not think the comparison was well taken. >> now on the question for senator bentsen. >> since you seem to be taking no hostages on the stage, i will ask you a question about the hostages still in brutal captivity in the middle east. you have been critical of the contra affair. does the dukakis ticket have a realistic plan on getting the hostages released in any due time? >> one of the toughest questions that any executive will face, you cannot help but have sympathy for that family and for those hostages themselves. the one thing we ought to know by now is that we can go out and -- they can